14 Software Engineering Resume Samples & Keywords (New Data)
Check out our software engineer resume examples written based on requirements from real job ads to get ideas for your own resume. Pair it with a polished software engineer cover letter to elevate your application.
Software Engineer Resume Template
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e-commerce application and technology skills. Proven ability to leverage full-stack knowledge and experience to build interactive and user-centered website designs to scale. Extensive expertise in large system architecture development and administration, as well as network design and configuration.
- Requirements analysis
- Python
- HTML
- CSS
- JS
- Testing
- Documentation
- Structure several internal systems comprising order entry/management tools, conversion/revenue reporting, and production workflow tracking, as well as design custom REST APIs built in Python and Laravel PHP
- Installed Linux servers and virtualized environments using Docker, Hyper-V, and Amazon Web Services
- Designed and implemented PHP web application, streamlining high server traffic resource configuration and allocation
- Successfully generated back-end programming utilizing LAMP stack; Linux (CentOS 5/Redhat), Apache with Kohana 2, PHP 5, CSS, JavaScript/jQuery, and MySQL frameworks
- Created e-commerce sites integrated with PayPal, Authorize.net, and other payment APIs
- Provided leadership as a subject matter expert (SME) on hosting issues, client and staff logins,
and general upgrades/maintenance of servers - Implemented new C# class library for the SQL server database access layer, and updated previous web page frameworks
The most in-demand software engineer skills
Hiring managers look for software engineers whose resumes align with the skills emphasized in their job ads.
To help you identify the most relevant skills to highlight on your resume, we analyzed software engineer job listings from multiple job search platforms.
Our research reveals that these 10 keywords appear most often in software engineer job postings:
Skill | % of job listings | Hard or soft skill? |
---|---|---|
Programming languages | 95% | Hard |
Teamwork | 75% | Soft |
Academic degree | 72% | Hard |
Requirements analysis | 44% | Hard |
Communication skills | 42% | Soft |
Speed & efficiency | 30% | Soft |
Testing | 22% | Hard |
Documentation | 18% | Hard |
Independence | 16% | Soft |
Research skills | 14% | Hard |
The resume of a software engineer at Resume Genius
Ethan David Lee, a software engineer at Resume Genius, was offered a role after he submitted this career change resume:
Why Ethan’s resume stood out:
- Outstanding GPA: Ethan achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA during his college degree. If you performed well academically, including your GPA on your resume can highlight your strong foundation.
- Project Showcase: Despite transitioning careers, Ethan’s passion for software engineering is clear through the detailed projects he’s included from both past roles and personal work. Whether or not you have formal experience, adding a project section can help set your resume apart.
- Transferable Skills: Although his previous positions weren’t directly related to software engineering, Ethan effectively highlighted transferable skills and experiences, demonstrating his readiness for the role.
Explore more about Ethan’s background to see why he was an excellent fit for our software engineering position.
More job-specific software engineer resumes
Looking for more resume examples? Start by looking at these 12 additional software engineer resume samples:
Entry-level software engineer resume
Why this example works
- This entry-level software engineer resume includes a projects section to make up for the applicant’s lack of work experience
- The resume design is clean and simple, making a professional impression
- The applicant lists relevant courses in the education section to demonstrate their breadth of knowledge
Computer science resume
Why this example works
- This resume objective specifies which operating systems and programming languages the applicant is familiar with
- In the experience section, they highlight relevant internship experience
- The bullet points on this computer science resume focus on achievements instead of duties
Python developer resume
Why this example works
- The applicant uses hard numbers in the experience section to demonstrate the impact of their work
- The skills section of this python developer resume effectively showcases the applicant’s technical abilities
- Each bullet point begins with a powerful action verb
Web developer resume
Why this example works
- The applicant uses a resume summary to highlight their extensive experience in the field
- They mention how much money they helped their current company save through successful security initiatives
- This web developer resume follows a standard chronological format, which is what most employers prefer
Full stack developer resume
Why this example works
- A two-column design is perfect for a full-stack developer resume like this, where the candidate has extensive experience and needs more space for their professional experience section
- The applicant includes their LinkedIn URL, allowing employers to easily access more information about their work history
- The skills section focuses on key hard skills like popular coding languages and frameworks, which is what employers will primarily be looking at when hiring for a full stack developer role
SQL developer resume
Why this example works
- The applicant organizes their skill section by grouping their skills together under two different categories
- The layout of this SQL developer resume allows the applicant to fit a lot of information on one page, without it looking overwhelming
- The education section takes up the least space because they already have several years of experience behind them
Front-end developer resume
Why this example works
- It includes resume keywords often found in front-end developer job listings, such as a degree in computer science, teamwork skills, and testing
- The applicant’s contact information is listed at the top, just below the header so employers don’t have to search for it
- A front-end developer resume should mention which tech stacks the applicant has used for various projects, which this resume does
Java developer resume
Why this example works
- The thin lines separating the different parts of this Java developer resume makes it easier for hiring managers to skim
- In the resume summary, the applicant explains not just their work history, but also their professional goals
- A well-organized skills section like this gives employers a quick but comprehensive overview of their abilities
.NET developer resume
Why this example works
- By providing specific examples of their accomplishments in previous roles on their .NET developer resume, the applicant gives employers an idea of what they can do for them, if hired
- Action verbs show that they take initiative at work which is something hiring managers look for when hiring .NET developers
- Because they already have almost a decade of experience, they keep the education section brief, leaving more room for their work history
Programmer resume
Why this example works
- Programmers should stick to traditional template designs and muted colors, like in this programmer resume example
- Because the skills section is placed at the top, as soon as they lay their eyes on this resume, employers will be able to tell that the applicant has the skills they’re looking for
- For this experienced applicant, the education section is the least relevant and therefore located at the bottom of the resume
UI developer resume
Why this example works
- The applicant starts off their resume summary with an adjective to highlight one of their best traits as a UI developer
- The large, colorful (yet professional) resume header is sure to catch hiring managers’ attention
- To better describe their achievements, the applicant quantifies their UI developer resume by using numbers and percentages in their work experience section
Database developer resume
Why this example works
- This template uses subtle design elements to make the database developer resume more visually interesting
- In the resume introduction, the applicant mentions what they want to achieve in the role
- The work experience section shows career progression, indicating that they take their professional development seriously
Average software engineer salaries in the US
The following table includes information from O*NET Resource Center by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license, this data is pulled from the most recent US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Employment & Earnings report (as of 10/16/2024), featuring the top states by use.
Average software engineer annual salaries by state
States | Salary / Year |
---|---|
California | $168,660 |
New York | $145,470 |
Texas | $127,000 |
Florida | $122,310 |
Pennsylvania | $111,910 |
Illinois | $126,200 |
Ohio | $107,560 |
Georgia | $127,070 |
North Carolina | $130,620 |
Michigan | $103,830 |
National Average | $118,750 |
How to write a resume for a software engineer
Whether you’re an entry-level software engineer or a senior developer, you need to know how to structure your resume to best reflect your experience and qualifications.
With various software engineering skills, languages, and methodologies, you may be confused about what to include when space on your resume is limited.
Keep reading to learn how to create a strong software engineer resume that successfully targets the position you’re applying for.
1. List relevant software engineer skills
When listing your software engineer skills, make sure to be transparent about your familiarity with a given language and skill, especially if it’s mentioned in the job description. A good way to demonstrate your proficiency is to provide concrete examples of how you applied your skills and what the results were.
Here are a few tips to help you effectively work relevant skills into your software engineer resume:
Do:
- Find crossover skills relating to the job posting
- Research the company as much as possible before applying
- Write a strong, convincing resume summary like an elevator pitch
- Ensure you emphasize the skills listed in our table of in-demand software engineer skills at the top of this page
Don't:
- Send a generic resume or lie about your skills for a job
- Make sweeping assumptions about the role
- Write a career objective section instead of a career summary
Remember to incorporate skills you’d like to highlight throughout the different sections of your resume, not only in a dedicated resume skills section.
2. Back up your accomplishments with numbers
When listing accomplishments throughout your resume, one of the best ways to make your resume stand out is to add hard numbers to your bullet points. Adding numbers to a key result helps demonstrate your value to potential employers.
Here are a few examples of how to do this effectively:
Quantified resume bullet points
- Designed an internal website for agents and management, saving an average of $8,000 in labor costs per week
- Led a development project for a web scraping program in Python to help the firm download public data, including over 6,000 company descriptions and stock quotes, to increase research efficiency by over 40%
- Implemented a new caching mechanism, reducing database query times by 18% and improving overall application performance
- Optimized codebase, decreasing application startup time by 23% and enhancing user satisfaction scores by 12%
- Resolved 100+ bugs within tight deadlines, ensuring uninterrupted service for clients
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to integrate third-party APIs, resulting in a 30% reduction in development time for feature implementation
- Contributed to open-source projects with code contributions leading to 500+ stars on GitHub and recognition within the developer community
3. Tailor your resume introduction to the job description
Tailoring your resume to each position you apply for increases your chances of getting an interview because you demonstrate that you possess the exact qualifications the employer is looking for. Additionally, showing that you’ve done thorough research on the company makes you seem more motivated.
First, research the company and take note of their products, technologies, and goals. Then, read through the job description paying special attention to requirements and desired qualifications.
When writing your resume introduction, try to highlight skills and experiences that demonstrate how you can help the business meet their needs. Work these keywords naturally into your resume, like in these software engineer resume summary examples:
Experienced software engineer with a proven track record of delivering high-quality solutions in fast-paced environments. Proficient in Java, Python, and JavaScript, with a strong foundation in full-stack web development and the ability to work efficiently with minimal supervision. Seeking to leverage expertise in building scalable and efficient software systems to drive innovation at [Company Name].
Dynamic software engineer with 5+ years of experience developing robust applications for diverse industries. Skilled in C++, Python, and SQL, with expertise in designing and implementing scalable architectures. Committed to continuous learning and staying updated on emerging technologies to deliver cutting-edge solutions.
Innovative computer science graduate with a passion for open-source development and community engagement. Contributed to several high-impact projects on GitHub, receiving accolades for code quality and collaborative contributions. Excited to bring creativity and expertise to a dynamic team environment at [Company Name].
LaTeX is a popular word-formatting tool for software engineers. We’ve compiled the best LaTeX resume templates and matching LaTeX cover letter templates if you prefer to use this software.
4. Strengthen your resume with additional sections
Strengthen your resume by adding sections when appropriate to demonstrate additional qualifications like:
- Credentials
- Language skills
- Certifications and licenses
- Awards or notable accomplishments
- Personal projects
- Volunteer experience
In particular, adding a section for personal projects on your resume is a good way to show that you’re a qualified engineer, even if you don’t have much traditional work experience.
Adding additional sections to your resume will help you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of getting hired for the job you want.
Similar to extra sections on your resume, hiring managers can learn more about you if you write a cover letter that complements your resume. By expanding on your resume with concrete examples, you’ll be on your way to snagging that interview.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about writing a software engineer resume.
What should be included in a software engineer resume?
A software engineer resume should include the following sections:
- Contact information
- Resume introduction
- Work/relevant experience
- Education
- Skills
You can also include additional sections like projects, certifications, or awards to give employers a better idea of your abilities.
How do I make my software engineer resume stand out?
To make your software engineer resume stand out, focus on convincing employers you have the technical skills they need.
Look at job descriptions for your target job title and write down common skills that you see appear over and over. Then, list them on your resume under your skills section and explain how you’ve used those skills in the past in your experience section.
What do I put on a software engineer resume with no experience?
When you lack prior work experience, include personal or academic projects, volunteer work, internships, extracurriculars, or other relevant experiences that will help you prove your software engineering skills.
Additional resources
Are you just entering the job market and considering a job as a software engineer, or are you thinking about switching careers? Watch software engineer and YouTuber Brian Ruiz share his experience of the industry to help you make a decision:
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